Farhaan M clear first at Happy New Year Blitz Rating Open 2026

By admin February 3, 2026 Updated: May 11, 2026 0 comments

Farhaan M scored 10/11 to win Happy New Year Blitz Rating Open 2026. He finished a full point ahead of the rest. Aarush Bhat scored 9/11 to secure second place. Lakshith B Salian scored sole 8.5/11 to finish third. The total prize fund was ₹15000 + trophies. The top three prizes were ₹5000, ₹3000 and ₹2000 along with a trophy and medal each. This was Farhaan’s first tournament triumph of the year.

Farhaan’s first tournament triumph of the year

Second seed of the tournament, NA NI Farhaan M had a half point lead 9/10, heading into the final round. Aarush Bhat was the only player trailing by a half point at 8.5/10. Farhaan defeated Sriansh Sinha in the final round to become a clear champion. Aarush drew against Advaith U P to secure second place. Evann Raphael Aranha lost to Lakshith B Salian who finished third. The reigning Karnataka State Women 2025 champion, Arushi Severin Helen D Silva scored an impressive 8/11 to claim fourth place. Rao’s Chess Corner is run by Karnataka’s top chess couple – IM Sharan Rao and WGM Isha Sharma.

Champion – NA NI Farhaan M 10/11 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Runner-up – Aarush Bhat 9/11 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Second Runner-up – Lakshith B Salian 8.5/11 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Top 3 (L to R): 2nd Aarush Bhat 9/11, 1st NA NI Farhaan M 10/11 and 3rd Lakshith B Salian 8.5/11 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Farhaan M during one of his games | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Farhaan M scored 10/11, finished a full point ahead of the field and gained 44.6 Elo rating points

4th Arushi Severin Helen D Silva 8/11 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Players in action | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

The tournament hall at Rao’s Chess Corner in Mangalore, Karnataka | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

A total of 59 players took part from all over the country, one from Australia and Switzerland each. The one-day eleven-round Blitz Rating Open tournament was organized by and at Rao’s Chess Corner in Mangalore, Karnataka on 8th January 2026. The time control of the tournament was 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment.

Final standings

Details

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